Still, a year removed from the chaos of 2013's terrorist attack, the Pensacola resident knew this one would be different from years past.

"On the bus this morning, on the way to Hopkinton (the runners' staging area), I sat right behind a couple — They didn't know each other last year, they were running the race and stopped at mile 24 (because of the terrorist attack). They kept in touch and decided to run together and finish the race this year.

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"I think everyone realized the importance of coming back to Boston this year."

Palmer was one of a number of runners with ties to the Pensacola area to compete in the event on the 1-year anniversary of last year's bombing. In all, 23 runners identified themselves as residents of Escambia or Santa Rosa counties.

At 29 years old, Palmer is the youngest of the lot.

He recorded a time of 4:27.44, finishing 23,086 overall.

For Palmer, who has run eight marathons and views the sport as a hobby, Monday was the event of a lifetime.

"It was a very special day," Palmer said. "The whole city has rallied around this. I know this is a big deal every year, but it's extra special this year.

"It's the longest standing marathon in the country. It was well done. I think it was known that they wanted to make a statement that (terrorists) weren't going to let them change the way Boston does it. And Boston does it right."

Pensacola City Councilman Brian Spencer also made the trip, competing in the event for the fifth time.

"As a veteran of other ones, I felt like the crowds along the entire 26 mile rout were louder," Spencer said. "They had high energy. From the minute you stepped off the plane at the airport, right up to the race, every Bostonian in the service sector has welcomed us and expressed their deep appreciation of our return.

"From the hotel concierge to taxi drivers to anyone else, that covers the gamut. They have not only said welcome, but also thank you."

Spencer finished the event with a time of 3:59.31, describing this year's event as one of the best.

"The City of Boston, thus far, has every reason to celebrate.

"If it was someone's debut marathon, then they experienced, and were treated to, the best."

Palmer, who's wife Kymberly is from the Boston area, agreed with Spencer.

He was struck by the support the city poured out to the runners, saying it seemed like every person in the city was invested in this year's race.

"Along the course, there were tons of people who had the names of people who were killed last year on signs and on shirts," Palmer said. "I kinda teared up there a little bit at the end, all the emotions.

"There were tons of people on the course. All 26 miles were lined, both sides, three-to-four people deep. It was amazing. Words can't describe how incredible it is."

As he neared the finish line, Palmer said the support only got bigger.

"You could look around and tell the crowd had been emotional," he said. "People are overwhelmed that you want to travel to their city and run a race in memory of people.

"I do it because I enjoy it, and that (enjoyment) was taken away from a lot of people last year. Last year they were running in fear.

"They weren't running in fear today."

Area runners

in Boston

The following runners have identified themselves as residents of Escambia or Santa Rosa counties on their Boston Marathon entry forms. Athletes listed in order of overall finish: